When Epa Binamungu, manager of Inganzo Art Gallery, a company working in arts and crafts business activities in Kigali, started painting at the age of 18, little did he know that it would usher him into the vibrant world of Art.Motivated by his passion for painting, Binamungu has been there and done that, but it is with his originality that he is beginning to make an indelible mark on the face of Rwanda and his talent is shining across borders. To date, his paintings are appreciated by art lovers from all walks of life.His dedication to empowering individuals to pursue their dream and excel by realizing their passion is evident in the powerful work of his team and the absolute success of his clients.Binamungu uses his brush to bridge the gap and barriers as he communicates vividly, inspiring people to appreciate what ‘talent’ breeds. He has managed to slowly curve a name for himself in an industry that most people in Rwanda prefer to be only consumers. Binamungu granted The New Times’ freelance journalist Andrew Israel Kazibwe an exclusive interview. Excerpts:Q: How would you define art?A:  Art is life and it connects people.Q: Why do you do art?A: I do Art to ease life.  It also helps me to get feelings, pleasure, and happiness and to describe conditions people are in and vividly reveal how I would like life to be through my pictures.Q: What do you do in art?A: I take Art as a part of me. It helps me communicate to anybody. Through Art, I am known and understood; it is a subject that helps one travel a journey in life. I deliver a message I have in my heart to someone.Q:  When did you realise your talent?A: I discovered my talent when I was a young kid at St. Francois Xavier Primary School in DR Congo, and I have been drawing and creating art since the tender age of 8 years old.Q: Did your family support this?A: No. Actually they believed that ‘Fine Art’ was for dull children. My parents used to beat me whenever they checked for notes and instead found pictures.

They strictly cautioned me to study. I obeyed that. I joined the Institute of Pedagogical Science University in 1975 and majored in biology and chemistry. After graduating high school, I decided to concentrate on my talent.Q: When did you start Art in Rwanda?A: It was in 1995, after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Q: What problems did you encounter in the beginning?A: Basically people couldn’t understand what I was doing. They could ask me what I was drawing and this hurt me so much, because this was a message which had been directed to them. They never believed and many had a biased attitude towards Art. I decided to teach those who appreciated me and with time they started appreciating my work, hence even purchasing the pieces.Q: Where do you get the messages you communicate in your Art pieces?A: The world around me has and asks me a lot of questions and the answers are from around us. So I get the messages from the society around me.   Q: How do you see Art in Rwanda?A: It is slowly developing. Art still hasn’t been given an opportunity even in the education curriculum. But we as artists are still advocating for it. If is not given a chance, then it won’t develop. However, I acknowledge the fact that Nyundo Art School in Gisenyi, Rubavu is in existence and growing. Q: How far have you gone currently?A: I am generally happy, because I do what I love doing at heart; something that gives me pleasure. I appreciate the fact that people understand and are satisfied with my work. Many people are also coming to buy the Art pieces.Q: What are your future prospects?A: I’d like to establish a centre where I can make Art grow through training young artists to develop their talents, and also work together with help from other experienced artists. Also, a place where I can transform space in art by establishing various categories like; sculpture, paintings, installation and others. I want a place where people can go appreciate talent. Q: Any advice to people out there? A: Parents should encourage their children to develop their talents, rather than discouraging them.